44% Chocolate with pea protein
Plant Based Protein Chocolate Couverture
Pea Protein 44% is a plant-based chocolate couverture formulated with pea protein, delivering 5 grams of protein per 25 g serving within the chocolate itself, without requiring a separate protein inclusion or coating. Made with Colombian Fino de Aroma cacao at 44% cocoa content, it combines plant-based chocolate with functional formulation capabilities for professional applications.
Certified vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and non-GMO, this couverture is designed for manufacturers developing high‑protein vegan confectionery, functional snack bars and protein‑enriched plant‑based product lines at both artisan and industrial scale.
Pea Protein as a Functional Ingredient in Chocolate Couverture
Incorporating plant‑based protein directly into a couverture at formulation level, rather than as a surface coating or external inclusion, presents specific technical challenges. Pea protein affects viscosity, mouthfeel and flavour integration differently from traditional dairy proteins or cocoa solids, and the concentration required to deliver a meaningful protein claim at serving level must be calibrated against the impact on the sensory profile and processing behaviour.
At 44% cocoa content, this couverture delivers balanced cocoa character while supporting the integration of pea protein within the chocolate matrix. The result is a couverture formulated to deliver both the chocolate character expected by professional buyers and the protein content required for functional product positioning.
For manufacturers exploring protein‑enriched chocolate applications, evaluating protein fortification options in chocolate applications delivers a cleaner finished product than protein‑coated inclusions and a simpler production line than combining conventional couverture with separate protein ingredients.

Sensory Profile and Tasting Notes
Aroma
Cocoa, light legume notes
Predominantly cocoa with soft legume and low sweet/vanilla notes — clean, without fermented or fruity character.
Tasting Notes
Cocoa, legume & cereal
Medium-high cocoa intensity with perceptible legume and cereal notes; moderate bitterness, light nutty aftertaste.
Cocoa Intensity
Predominant, persistent
Cocoa provides body and persistence, predominating over secondary protein notes.
Sweetness
Balanced
Rounds the profile, allowing cocoa and protein notes to stay evident throughout tasting.
Texture
Structured, medium melt
Good break resistance; protein content slightly slows fat release, with a light drying sensation.
Finish
Cocoa & protein, moderate bitterness
Lingering cocoa and protein character with light vegetable, nut and cereal notes.
Overall Profile
Integrating pea protein directly into the couverture — rather than as a surface coating — delivers a consistent per-serving protein claim while preserving a cocoa-forward, structured bite, relevant for positioning in functional, high-protein and sports-nutrition confectionery categories. For a full explanation of sensory evaluation terminology, visit the Chocolate Sensory Variables Glossary.
Technical Specifications for Professional Chocolatiers
- 44% cocoa
- Vegan
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Non-GMO
- High-Protein
| Cocoa Content | 44% |
| Protein Source | Pea protein |
| Protein per Serving | 5 g per 25 g serving |
| Dietary Certifications | Vegan · Dairy-free · Gluten-free · Non-GMO |
| Fluidity | 3 out of 5 |
| Recommended Tempering Range | Melt at 45–55°C (113–131°F). Crystallise and mould at 29.5–31.5°C (85.1–88.7°F). |
| Available Formats | 20 kg box |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Storage | 18–20°C (64.4–68°F), relative humidity below 65%. Keep away from walls and floor, heat, light and strong odours. |
A fluidity rating of 3/5 places this couverture in a balanced range — sufficient flow for enrobing and depositing applications, with enough body to carry the protein load without compromising moulded structure.

Designed for Food Manufacturers & Confectionery Production
High-Protein Vegan Confectionery
Pea Protein 44% supports a functional protein claim alongside clear plant-based and dairy-free positioning. Moulded bars, bonbons and praline centres developed with this couverture are suited to fitness-positioned and sports nutrition product lines where protein content is a primary purchase driver. The pea protein integration delivers a consistent per-serving protein level without requiring additional processing steps.
Functional Snack Production
Suitable for protein-enriched snack bars and plant-based confectionery applications requiring chocolate coatings with integrated protein functionality. Its plant-based and free-from certification stack supports positioning across multiple dietary claim categories from a single SKU.
Bakery and Pastry
For baked and pastry applications, including ganaches, tart glazes, mousse bases, and entremet fillings, this couverture delivers consistent performance with a clean finish.
Professional Applications in Functional Confectionery
Select an application to explore performance characteristics and recommended use cases.
Moulding
Compatible with standard dark couverture moulds and tempering processes — no significant parameter adjustments required compared to conventional dark chocolate. Not recommended for hollow chocolate figures.
Enrobing
Consistent coating comparable to standard dark couverture. Stable viscosity at working temperature supports uniform coverage across production runs.
Ganaches and Fillings
Smooth dark ganache, designed for professional filling applications with a rich and indulgent chocolate profile.
High-Protein Plant-Based Chocolate Bars
Functional confectionery at artisan and industrial scale where protein content is a primary purchase driver and clean-label credentials are required.
Snack Bar Coatings and Inclusions
Protein-enriched vegan snack bars and coatings for sports nutrition and fitness-positioned retail lines.
Sustainable Sourcing and The Luker Way
Milk Mulata 37% is made with Colombian Fino de Aroma cacao traced through Luker Trace, Luker Chocolate's traceability system designed to provide origin transparency at bean level. This framework supports manufacturers preparing for evolving deforestation regulations such as EUDR and provides procurement teams with the documentation required for verified supply chain claims.
As a B Corp-certified chocolate manufacturer, Luker Chocolate works closely with cocoa-growing communities across Colombia through The Chocolate Dream programme. In 2023, the programme reached more than 3,900 cocoa-producing families through initiatives focused on regenerative agriculture, biodiversity and long-term livelihood development.

Certifications and Product Attributes
Pea Protein 44% meets the following certification and formulation requirements for professional chocolate applications:
Certifications
- Dairy-Free
- Vegan
- Gluten-Free
- Non-GMO Verified
B Corp Certification: As a certified B Corp, Luker Chocolate meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
Luker Trace: Every batch is connected to our traceability system—allowing visibility down to specific communities and harvest periods.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pea Protein 44% is a plant-based chocolate couverture formulated with pea protein as a key ingredient, providing enhanced protein content while maintaining the taste, texture and processing characteristics expected from a premium chocolate couverture. The pea protein is incorporated as a dry ingredient during refining, carefully balanced with cocoa solids, sweeteners and cocoa butter, optimised for particle size distribution, viscosity and flavour.
Yes. Pea Protein 44% is developed to support vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free product formulations, providing a plant-based alternative while delivering the taste, texture and functionality expected from a premium chocolate couverture.
Pea Protein 44% is available in a 20 kg box format. Storage conditions are 18–20°C, relative humidity below 65%, away from heat, light and strong odours. Shelf life is 12 months.
An aroma predominantly of cocoa with light vegetable protein and soft legume notes, low sweetness and vanilla. Medium-high cocoa intensity with perceptible legume, cereal and light vegetable notes, moderate bitterness and a light nutty aftertaste. Sweetness is balanced, texture is structured with a medium melt and a slight drying sensation, and the finish lingers with cocoa and protein notes.
Designed for a wide range of professional applications including enrobed products, protein bars, filled chocolates, ganaches, fillings and other high-protein confectionery applications. Specific guidance is available in the technical data sheet.
EXPLORE THE FULL BALANCE RANGE
Pea Protein 44% is one product within Luker's Balance plant‑based category. For manufacturers requiring plant‑based couvertures without a protein positioning:
Plant-based dark chocolate alternative — a dairy-free couverture developed for plant-based confectionery and snack applications.
Read More
Plant-based white chocolate alternative — a dairy-free white couverture for applications requiring creamy white chocolate character.
Read More
No-added-sugar plant-based option — the oat milk base reformulated for reduced-sugar and diabetic-friendly positioning.
Read MoreEach product in the Balance range is part of a complete better‑for‑you portfolio, allowing you to build across multiple health‑positioned claims from a single supply relationship.
Professional Support and Technical Resources
Full technical documentation including tempering guidance, protein integration parameters, certifications and traceability through Luker Trace.
Our commercial team can support you with pricing, lead times and supply planning for large-scale production.
Developing a high-protein plant-based product line and need formulation guidance? Explore Luker's custom chocolate development service.


















